Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is a Hindu holiday much celebrated throughout India. It follows the Hindu traditional calendar, but falls sometime during September or October on the Gregorian Calendar. In 2026, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti falls on Monday 26 October. The holiday will be on Friday 15 October in 2027. The “jayanti,” or birth anniversary, of Maharishi Valmiki, a famed Hindu poet, is the cause for the occasion. Valmiki wrote the Ramayana, an extremely lengthy portion of the Hindu scriptures that is put in the style of epic poetry. It was originally written in Sanskrit and contains an astounding 24,000 verses. Indians celebrate the memory of Maharishi Valmiki and of the literature he created in a number of different ways. Some carry his picture through city streets during colourful religious processions, even worshiping him and praying to his portrait. Others recite portions of his epic poetry in Hindu temples, especially at those temples that are specifically dedicated to him. Food is also given out to the poor at this time of year. Many tourists attend the parades and view the heavily decorated temples during Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, besides visiting historical locations related to his life and influence.